Gathered in the front of the school and joined by district administrators, board of education members, West Islip American Legion members and West Islip Fire Department volunteers, Paul J. Bellew Elementary School celebrated its annual Flag Day ceremony on June 13.

Paul J. Bellew Principal Rhonda Pratt welcomed guests to the ceremony, which included patriotic musical performances from all grade levels. Some of the performances included the chorus, band, orchestra, recorders and a special song from the kindergartners.   In a sea of red, white and blue, Paul J. Bellew students paid tribute to the country’s symbol of freedom. Students from each grade level spoke about what the flag, freedom and patriotism mean to them. Girl Scouts and Boys Scouts from Paul J. Bellew also assisted American Legion members in folding the flag.  

 

Click here to view the Paul J. Bellew Elementary Honors Flag Day slideshow.

 

Date Added: 6/27/2025

 

The West Islip varsity girls track team wrapped up another great season! With a roster consisting largely of ninth/10th graders, the upperclassmen have helped create a strong culture, and the future of the program is bright. The season was highlighted with 12 athletes qualifying for the county meet, including an All-County finish by ninth grader Hannah DiPietro in the race walk and Rowan Dorn in the pentathlon. Five athletes advanced to the state qualifying meet to compete against the top athletes in Suffolk County: Adilia Trim in the 100, 200, and 400 meter; DiPietro and Caitlyn Filiato in the race walk; Madison Howley in the Steeplechase; and Dorn in the pentathlon. Trim finished seventh in the 400 final and broke the school record earlier in the season.

Date Added: 6/26/2025

Artwork of two talented students from Mrs. Caulfield’s Studio Art classes at West Islip High School were chosen for display at the 35th annual NYSATA Legislative Student Art Exhibition. Congratulations to ninth graders Julianne Hall and Caitlin Stebbins. The NYSATA Legislative Student Art Exhibition is the flagship event for Youth Art Month and NYSATA’s largest public display of student artwork in a government building. Each spring, this exhibit provides an exciting opportunity for students and their families to connect with their legislators. The K-12 gallery showing, co-sponsored by NYSUT, ran at the Legislative Office Building in Albany from May 16-23. The exhibit is also available to online at this link. Congratulations to our artists!